Oppo HDMI out to HDMI equipped AVR with HD audio decoding is equal in sound quality to having the Oppo internally decode HD audio and have its analog outputs go to a non HDMI equipped AVR.

Either one of these is vastly superior to just having regular DD or DTS!

HDMI AVRs are a real nice convenience but its not a deal breaker with a player like the Oppo that can internally decode all formats.
There is really no need to replace a nice high end non HDMI AVR like yours to enjoy HD audio.

Okay!!! That does clarify it and it's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks. I'm going for the Oppo.